set up a nativity scene
A nativity scene is a display that represents the story of the birth of Jesus, as described in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew in the Bible. It includes characters that represent Mary, Joseph & baby Jesus, the Magi (the Three Kings), the shepherd, animals, and angels.

We set up the nativity scene a few days before Christmas, then add baby Jesus on Christmas morning.

Prepositions

Take note of specific prepositions to use with Christmas

on Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day
Use the preposition on when you talk about the specific day.

We always have a huge family dinner on Christmas Day.

Most business are closed on Christmas Day. However, some malls have started opening on Christmas Day in major cities.

at Christmas
Use the preposition at when you talk about the entire season.

I always gain a few pounds at Christmas. There are too many delicious treats!

We go to so many parties at Christmas.

for Christmas
Use the preposition for when the specific purpose of doing an activity is Christmas.

What are you doing for Christmas this year?

Do you know what you want for Christmas?

Did I miss any collocations? Do you still have questions about Christmas collocations? Let me know in the comments below!

Do you celebrate any holidays in which you exchange gifts with people or decorate your house?

Hi Melanie
Thank you for your lesson.
You used words in the wonderful way that make me understand without dictionaries.
In Vietnam, we celebrate Lunar New Year Day, but we also get our children presents on Christmas Day, especially in major cities.
I wish you a very happy New Year!

Hi Melanie, i’m very happy you share the lesson with me. it’s been too long writing you, According to the christmas collocations, is it correct to say ” i clean my house for christmas”? and why people often say ”i wish for you” is it correct?
I wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year!

The most common collocation is “I wish you a merry Christmas.” Use this collocation when you want to tell someone that you hope something good happens to them or you want them to enjoy something! One of the grammar books I use explains it best: It’s a fixed expression of good wishes.

“I wish you much happiness!”
“I wish you a very happy birthday!”
“I wish you great success!”
“I wish you well in your retirement!”
“Wish me luck!”

I found the collocation “wish for” in the Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary here. This collocation (4b in the Learner’s Dictionary) is used when you hope for something that usually cannot be had. Oxford Learners Dictionary says think very hard that you want something, especially something that can only be achieved by good luck or magic.

So you can’t say,”I wish for you a merry Christmas.” However, you can say, “I wish for you an end to your pain.” or “Here is my wish for you: I wish for you to have peace in your heart.” This is a very formal way of speaking. It’s not something you would say in everyday conversation.

I have already recommanded You as a brilliant teacher to my students. Almost everything you write and say, seems to be much simplier after just one reading or listening. They say your blog is just very helpful and I share this opinion. Thanks a lot and … Merry Christmas if You celebrate it.
P.S. In my country, Poland, we dont have to wait for Christmas presents until Christmas morning. We can find them immediately after Christmas Eve Supper.
Greetings Ryszard

Hi, Ryszard! Thank you so much for your kind & beautiful words, and thank you for recommending me to your students! I am so grateful!

Merry Christmas to you, too! I am jealous that you get to open your presents on Christmas Eve! I hope you have a lovely time with your family. I have been to Poland! When I worked as a tour guide in Europe, I spent some time in Warsaw and Krakow. It was a very interesting country!

Hi Melanie, will it be wrong to say “I don’t know what to buy for her”? I am not sure if we can use the preposition “for”. You very nicely taught at Christmas, on Christmas day and for Christmas. I am very happy to learn these uses. Regards Om.

Dear Melanie : In the such a horrible world full of anger and complicated policy matters !!!!like in Syria or refugees problem and Isis …….you help me still believe angels are alive!!!the people like you who spends a lot of time for teaching the others ….wish you the best and hope a merry Christmas in advance……<3 <3 <3

Hi Melanie
Recently I made a comment and as I dont see it here anymore I supposed you cleaned it away.
Anyway, I just tried to be relaxed and make a silly joke. Obviously I am just a English learner. So, if you got offended in any way I apologize. My intention was just to be a good sport and start a nice conversation. Thanks.

It’s difficult to make a joke in writing online, especially when you have never met the other person! It’s a good idea to add something like “LOL” or “just kidding!” to your joke. I speak to my students in a friendly manner, but this website is a business. I can’t leave a comment on my website that would lead other students to believe my English skills aren’t very good. I wouldn’t go to your work and tell you that my skills are better than yours!

Hi Melanie, Thanks for your hard work that you do for all of your learners! According to me you are pairless. You teach complicated things in a simple way. I know this is not simple. I learn your each lession and become confident day on day. I get more than what I want from your lessons. Regards Om

Hi, Ivanka! A very Merry Christmas to you & your family, too! I am so thrilled to read your comment. Thank you so much for your kind words and thank you so much for sharing my lessons with your friends! I really appreciate it.

(Quick top: Advice is an uncountable noun! You can say, “Thank you so much for your useful advice.”)

Hi, Melanie!
Your lessons are so interesting and you go right to the point you want to teach. You explain ideas clearly. You’re a good teacher and i love you.
It’s very helpfull for me to learn “on Christmas” and “at Christmas”!!!!! Good tips.
Thank you!

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About Melanie

I help English learners move from the classroom into the real world by teaching you real world sentences and helping you understand natural spoken English. I also help you find the best study tips and training techniques that work for you!

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